A Christmas market in a historic riverside south east London neighbourhood has been named as one of the UK’s “hidden gems”.
Greenwich Market was rated as the UK’s number one Christmas market to visit this festive season, according to new research by Solopress, and received a total score of 8.56 out of 10.
The list was compiled using data on factors such as Trip Advisor ratings, walking and driving proximity of the market to the local train station, and the duration of the market.
The list revealed the UK’s “lesser known” Christmas markets, featuring 10 across the UK, with Greenwich and Southbank Centre Christmas Market in London making the first and second spots on the list.
Greenwich Market is located within the busy centre of Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a plethora of historic buildings such as the 155-year old Cutty Sark ship and the Old Royal Naval College, both within five minutes walk of the market.
Greenwich Market is located within the busy centre of Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Image: Ed Simmons Photography / Visit Greenwich / Greenwich Market) This market is arguably one of the most festive spots to visit in south east London, becoming bright with Christmas lights every year, which are switched on in a popular annual lantern parade event.
Running for 34 days over Christmas, the Christmas market offers a quieter and less busy place to shop, with an array of market stalls and vendors.
Bringing together over 100 independent shops and stalls, here you can shop for anything from street food and artisan foods to handmade goods and vintage items.
Some of Greenwich Market’s businesses include Pergola London with botanical scented candles made by business owner Sue Lee.
This market becomes bright with Christmas lights every year, which are switched on in a popular annual lantern parade event. (Image: Ed Simmons Photography / Visit Greenwich / Greenwich Market)
The market has garnered a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor from reviewers who visited there, and was described as one of “the best markets” they visited whilst “not feeling overly touristy”.
You won’t have to walk too far for a drink either, with the market being home to the Coach & Horses, which has been on the site since 1780 and serves a traditional Sunday roast.
It’s also accessible by rail, DLR and river boat services from Cutty Sark pier, with the nearest stations being Cutty Sark DLR and Greenwich Station, with a train from London taking just 20 minutes.
But it’s not just the market you’ll find in Greenwich, as the borough is home to a plethora of historic pubs and museums as well as Greenwich Park, which is famously known as London’s oldest enclosed Royal Park.